Housing - Local Offer
Leaving the childhood home and living independently with varying levels of support will take time and lots of planning. Take time to research housing options, and consider looking at different areas to live in.
Find advice about living independently when preparing for adulthood.
Charities and local housing associations can help with living arrangements.
West Northamptonshire Council Housing
Social or Council Housing
Social housing means flats or houses that are owned by the Council, or by registered providers. Most social housing is accessed through council housing registers. Some providers also hold their own housing waiting lists. You can find out more about these on the providers’ website pages.
West Northants Council operates a choice-based letting scheme. People place weekly bids on properties that they are interested in. The person with the most housing need for that type of property will be offered it.
To access the housing register, the young person will need to complete a housing register application form. This is also for sheltered housing. This will be assessed by the Council.
The Council will assess whether the young person is eligible and qualifying and what priority they have for housing. Applications for the housing register can be made online. The contact centre will support anyone with their application if needed.
Documentation about the young person’s circumstances will be required.
Contact WNC Council Housing Team.
The Private Sector Housing Solutions (PSHS) Team help people with support needs to stay in their homes. It can also help with Disabled Facility Grants.
Home ownership for people with long-term disabilities (HOLD)
Home ownership for people with long-term disabilities (HOLD) is a government-approved scheme. It enables people with long-term disabilities to buy a home on the open market on Shared Ownership terms.
With HOLD, people can buy an initial share of a home worth between 10% and 75% of its market value. They pay rent to the housing provider on the rest. People can buy more shares in the future if they wish. When they buy more shares, they pay less rent.
Find out more about HOLD.
In Northamptonshire, HOLD is provided by Advance Housing and Support Ltd.
Adult Social Care
The council's Adult Social Care (ASC) Team uses a contract framework called Commissioning for a Good Life. It lists locally commissioned services for people with learning disabilities. The list includes residential care homes, supported living services, and domiciliary care services.
Other useful housing information
The Accessible Property Register
The Accessible Property Register website helps individuals find adapted wheelchair-friendly properties for sale or to rent. It also lists accessible holiday homes.
Community Law Service (Northampton and County)
Community Law is a registered charity. It provides advice and representation on benefits, energy efficiency, debt, housing, and immigration. The service is free, independent, and confidential.
Community Law operates under a Legal Aid contract and offers housing advice to individuals who qualify for Legal Aid. Its specialist housing advisors provide a casework service and legal representation.
Mencap
Mencap has a collection of easy-read guides about housing for people with learning disabilities.
Search the Local Offer directory.
Last updated 26 November 2024